Braca Teofilovic – Marijo, deli bela kumrijo

This is an old Serbian song dedicated to those who have travelled to distant parts seeking work. Since Mary’s loved one is far away, it is difficult to be happy and cheerful. Her lovelorn state makes her step slow and leaden; her voice loses its brightness and strength. And so this song describes her mood of deep longing. The local Aga is a curious and careful onlooker. He sees how the girl’s step has become “soft” and her speech “quiet”. He supposes this to be the result of her carrying heavy water pitchers (stomno, stomnite) or wearing weighty encrusted necklaces (derdana). The girl , full of youth and strength, roundly rejects the idea that work or wearing the necklaces by which she is known to her beloved could be called a burden. The only heavy and almost unbearable burden she carries, given her youth, is separation from the man she loves! Lyrics: Marijo, deli bela kumrijo, mori, Što ti je, Maro, Krotko, mori odenje, Što ti je, Maro, Tio, mori, zborenje? Da li ti, Maro, težit, stomnite, mori, Ili ti, Maro, težit, mori, đerdani? Nito mi, ago, težit stomnite, more, Nito mi, ago, težit more đerdani. Toko mi, ago, teži merakot, more, Moj merak, ago mi je, more, daleko.